Randomized trial shows associations between tinnitus handicap and personality traits in patients with hearing loss, suggesting new management approaches.
Key Points
Evaluate the relationship between perceived tinnitus handicap, personality traits, and emotional distress symptoms.
Participants included 127 tinnitus patients with hearing loss and a control group of 119 tinnitus-free patients.
Patients completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire.
Sociodemographic data were collected alongside descriptive tinnitus characteristics.
Patients with catastrophic tinnitus had significantly higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores compared to those with milder tinnitus grades.
Education level was weakly negatively associated with Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores.
Neuroticism and total emotional distress were identified as significant predictors of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores.